Surface To Soul

A pastor called me last week to find out how I could help their congregation grow. I asked him two basic questions, “What kind of growth are you looking for?” and “What does your congregation offer people that would compel them to want to participate in its mission and ministries?” This led to a great conversation about “why should people bother” being part of the church.

As leaders, we must first answer this question for ourselves. I’m looking for a faith community where I find hope and experience belonging; where I can learn how to extend and receive forgiveness; where I can discover a sense of purpose and direction; where I can learn more about who this Jesus is and how I might follow him more intentionally.

What serves as the “goal post” or primary purpose of your ministry? What do you want people experience when they walk into your home or your congregation? How would you answer the “Why bother” question for your congregation? Your youth group? Your small group ministries? Your home as a mission outpost? Please share your wisdom.

One of the roles of a coach is to help leaders determine what they need to focus on and what they need to quit doing. In these cases, we’re usually talking about activities to add or remove from our lives but it’s also important to consider what we need to let go of mentally. These beliefs and assumptions can serve as chains that hold us back from doing our best work. I think it’s time for congregational leaders to stop caring about . . .

1) What other people think of us (Do you want to be liked or make a difference?)
2) What other people want for you (Don’t waste your time living someone else’s life!)
3) What other people have (Quit comparing yourself to others.)
4) Trying to be perfect (Avoid getting carried away by perfectionism.)
5) Being right (Quit defending your positions; spend time seeking to understand.)
6) Trying to control things (Don’t worry about things you can’t control!)

By finding ways to quit caring about the things that aren’t important, we’ll have more time to care about the things that do matter. So, what do you need to quit caring about?